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Thursday, Nov. 05, 2009

Hundreds of Houston children participate in TOPSoccerama

WARNER ROBINS — More than 300 children from 19 Houston County schools attended the TOPSoccerama on Wednesday at the Flint Energies Soccer Complex.

The event was organized by The Outreach Program for Soccer, a community-based soccer program designed to meet the needs of children ages 4 to 19 with physical or mental disabilities.

TOPSoccer in Houston County uses the same fields as the Central Georgia Soccer Association.

There were 12 stations at which the children could participate including soccer bowling, bean bag soccer, hockey soccer and fields designed for playing soccer.

Deyonce Williams, a fourth-grader at Northside Elementary School, said his favorite activity was kicking a giant ball, “but I haven’t been to basketball or bowling yet.”

Diane Forrester has chaired the event since it began six years ago.

“It’s a family affair,” said Forrester, whose daughter and son-in-law, April and Jessie Smith, also volunteer.

The Smiths help coach the TOPSoccer program every Monday evening. April Smith played soccer for Houston County High School but stresses that “soccer experience isn’t necessary.”

April Smith said the lines always are long at the face painting table at TOPSoccerama. “It’s the most popular thing at the event,” she said.

Another popular item is the wheelchair medallions, made by volunteer Rhonda Giza.

To put on an event like this, more than 200 volunteers, teachers and paraprofessionals help out during the all-day event. Sponsors donate T-shirts in school colors.

Tyler Boyd, a third-grader at Quail Run Elementary School in Warner Robins, broke into a smile during the event when he was helped from his wheelchair to kick a soccer ball.

“That’s what we do this for,” Forrester said.

To contact Angela Woolen, call 923-5650.